Kemph, Vliet commit to St. Louis University

Rolling Meadows teammates have played together since fifth grade

Jackie Kemph and Jenny Vliet have given oral committments to St. Louic University (Nike Helfgot, Photo for the Tribune)

Jackie Kemph and Jenny Vliet have spent more time than they'd like thinking about the state championship they came painfully close to winning.

Teammates since fifth grade, the Rolling Meadows seniors have at least five more years to win titles together.

Kemph, a 5-foot-6 guard, and the 6-2 Vliet will play their college basketball together after each gave a verbal commitment to St. Louis University last week.

"We talked about it (going to college together) in the beginning and we said it would be great, but we wouldn't settle for each other," said Vliet, who was also recruited by Miami (Ohio), Denver, Texas Tech, San Diego, Vanderbilt, Toledo and Yale.

"It had to be a school we both liked and had everything we wanted. That happened to be 'Slu.'"

Kemph, a first team All-State selection by the Tribune and the reigning Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year, is known for her coast-to-coast speed, which also describes her college options.

She ultimately chose St. Louis over Arizona State for a variety of reasons.

"It was a pretty hard decision," said Kemph, who averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 assists and 3.2 steals as a junior. "I really loved it there. I think it's a good fit both academically and for basketball. The coach is awesome, the school is beautiful and it has good academics.

"I wanted to stay close. That was another factor. My family is excited about that."

The all-junior starting lineup of Kemph, Vliet, Northwestern-recruit Alexis Glasgow, Ashley Montanez and Sami Kay came were one defensive rebound away from delivering just the third state championship in Mid-Suburban League history.

Marian Catholic came up with three offensive rebounds in the frantic final 11 seconds and broke Rolling Meadows' heart at the buzzer to win the Class 4A title, 48-47.

"I think about it more than I should," Vliet said. "It is definitely going to motivate us. Right after I couldn't say this to myself, and I know a lot of the girls felt the same way, but as time went on I realized we did do great things."